The Syracuse Orange and North Carolina State Wolfpack first met in 1990. The two teams played five times prior to the Orange joining the ACC, with the Orange leading the series 5-1.

Syracuse first played the Wolfpack in the ACC in 2014, extending their winning streak to 25 games. Syracuse would play North Carolina State in the ACC Tournament in 2014, the first time the Orange played in that tournament. The Wolfpack would upset the Orange 66-63 behind 28 points from T.J. Warren.

Syracuse would beat North Carolina State 75-66 on senior day in 2016, behind Michael Gbinije's 34 point effort.

Syracuse beat the Wolfpack in overtime in February 2017 behind John Gillon's 43 point effort. Gillon hit 10 of 13 field goals including 9 of 10 three point attempts, and made all 14 free throws. Andrew White also had a big game with 28 points, scoring the majority of the Orange's overtime points. The Wolfpack's Dennis Smith Jr. had a triple double with 11 rebounds, 15 assists, and 13 points.